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Illinois Farm Bureau president says cattle producers need stable, transparent markets amid import debate

The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says the organization’s membership is worried about recent developments in the cattle industry.

Brian Duncan, who farms in Ogle County, tells Brownfield, “I got several phone calls when the Argentina beef importation was announced.”  He says, “You know, we don’t know the details of what’s being proposed here, but sort of talking the market down has already raised some concerns in the countryside.”

Despite the increasing cost of beef in the grocery store, Duncan says cattle producers have only recently seen their profitability improve.

“They had their turn of unprofitability a few years back, some significant unprofitability, and that resulted in the shrinking of the cattle herd,” he says.

He says producers need a stable market free from manipulation.

“The American consumer has a robust array of solid protein choices in the meat case.”  He says, “I think the market can ultimately decide where those consumers opt to spend their dollars.”

Duncan says he’s also concerned about the quality of any Argentinian beef imports and if the move would have any real impact on U.S. retail prices.

AUDIO: Brian Duncan – Illinois Farm Bureau